Mark Twain Cave Complex Samuel Clemens immortalized the chilly underground passages where he played as a boy when he wrote about Tom and Becky getting lost in McDougal’s Cave. Guided tours last about an hour. (573) 221-1656; marktwaincave.com[2]

Mark Twain Riverboat Experience what Samuel Clemens might have on one of three Mississippi River cruises on this 120-foot mock paddle-wheeler. (573) 221-3222; marktwainriverboat.com[3]

Where to eat

Becky’s Old Fashioned Ice Cream Parlor and Emporium Step into a sweet shop inspired by Clemens’ childhood sweetheart, Laura Hawkins. You may know her as Becky Thatcher from The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Becky's on Facebook[4]

Ole Planters Restaurant Alton Brown of Food Network fame came back to this folksy spot twice for the specialty smoked bratwurst and sauerkraut dinner and loved the strawberry pie. (573) 221-4410